Sunday’s Academy Awards and the subsequent media flood of gorgeous red carpet shots this week got us thinking about the art of taking a good photograph. No, even the stars were not all blessed with being naturally photogenic, despite their indisputable good looks. We caught up with some industry pros and local red carpet regulars to discuss the art of that perfect red carpet shot. After all, if you attend enough of your city’s events, odds are you may find yourself in front of a step and repeat and within the pages of a media publication at some point. Here are some inside tips on how to get it right.
The Outfit:
Pick outfits that photograph well. “Something fitted in black or a dark vibrant colour tends to always highlight what you’ve got,” says red carpet regular and beloved Toronto jewellery designer Shay Lowe (pictured below). “Make a statement, be elegant, and show your curves.”
Know your body. “Solid colors always look great on the red carpet. Darker colours look great on everyone whereas it takes a certain type of confidence and physique to wear a bright colour,”says Toronto red carpet fixture and regular guest the city’s most coveted events, Ainsley Kerr (pictured below).”Take a photo of yourself to make sure that your outfit flatters you and when in doubt, wear Spanx”.
Get it tailored.”Even if I buy something off the rack I almost always get it tailored to make sure that it fits my body perfectly, says Kerr.”Very few of us actually fit into a dress that is right off rack.
The Makeup:
“As a makeup artist, you have to understand the shape and shadows of someone’s face and use that to your advantage,” says Eleni Gountanos, a busy freelance Toronto makeup artist and MAC veteran. Not to fear, she offers some tricks for non-makeup artists, too.
“Using a primer base and HD-ready foundation and powder are key for a picture perfect canvas. Remember to contour and highlight the face to make it appear chiseled,” says Gountanos. “Use a sheen-based powder to highlight as anything too sparkly will catch too much light from the flash.”
“Never use SPF makeup or primers at a photo shoot, as your face will appear lighter in the pictures from the camera flash,” she adds.
“Remember that concealer is a woman’s best friend,” says Gountanos. “Always make sure to have a pro help you pick your undertone, as in pink, yellow or peach, and your shade. A shade lighter is key to brightening up under makeup. Always blend, blend, blend.”
“For dramatic eyes that pop, some false lashes always do the trick, along with some winged liner to open and lift the eye,” she says. “The most classic look is either a neutral eye with a bold lip or a smoky eye with a nude lip.”
“Matte eyeshadows work best in photography,” Gountanos continues. “Blending and shading are key to pop and eye shape or create a dramatic cat eye”.
The Pose:
There are a few tricks of the trade to that perfected pose that celebrities make look so effortless. “There are three things to keep in mind,” says Lowe. “First, always keep your chin up and level. Second, a 3/4 turn with hand on your hip(s) is the most flattering. And, finally, don’t forget your smile – be genuine.”
“The reason why so many red carpet professionals cross their legs by the ankle and put their hand on the hip is because it looks good! Angling your arm into your hip slenderizes your waist. Crossing your legs at the ankle elongates them. Photographing yourself from the side or with a slight angle is also very flattering,” offers Kerr. “Don’t stare blankly, focus on someone or directly at a camera. For a sincere smile, think of something that makes you happy.”
“The over-the-shoulder glance is popular with celebs who are showing off the back of their dress, toned butts or hair dos,” said Gountanos.
”Putting your tongue behind your teeth will relax your face and make for a better smile,” says Anat Moshkovich, Notable.ca’s own event photographer. “As unnatural as it may feel, practice posing at home in front of the mirror.”
The Angles:
“Know the angles of your face,” says Moshkovich. “The way you position your face, as in, head tilted slightly down, up, or to the right or left, and which profile or angle you look better with, makes a huge difference in how you look in pictures.”
The Etiquette:
There is very much a code of conduct when it comes to media photographs and red carpet manners.
“Never ever have a cocktail in your hand for a PR-type photo,” says Lowe.
“Spit your gum out. Do your make up touch ups before, and always keep your powder and lip gloss in your purse!” says Kerr. “And keep smiling!”
“Don’t stand lurking, waiting for the photographer at events to take your shot,” says Moshkovich. “Let the photographer ask you.”
In general, remember to be natural and don’t try too hard. The best shots usually happen when people aren’t even looking at the camera. Have fun with it.
Cover image credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Shay’s image credit: JJ Thompson and Fashion Magazine
